Darwin Young: The Origin of Evil is a musical based on a novel by Ji-Ri Park. It was developed by the Seoul Art Troupe theatre company in 2016, and had subsequent runs in 2019 and 2021. In 2023, it was produced in Japan for the first time by Toho.
It follows Darwin Young, a model student at Prime School, the top academy in District One of a dystopian future England-like country. There seems to be nothing concerning about him, besides his interest in a rebellion that was put down 60 years ago. But when he joins his classmate Rumi in investigating the murder of her uncle Jay Hunter 30 years prior, he uncovers secrets that will change how he sees his life and all of those closest to him — including his own father, who was Jay's close friend. Meanwhile, Darwin grows close to his classmate Leo Martial, the son of the third member of Jay's trio, and though Leo shows Darwin a wondrous new way of looking at life, and a path to seek true freedom, the investigation might put them all in danger.
This show provides examples of:
- Caught in the Bad Part of Town: District Nine provides an easy scapegoat for District One residents to pin their murders on.
- Fantastic Caste System: Of the classic dystopian districts variety, where people are separated into stratified districts. District One is extremely privileged, but the residents have to adhere to extremely strict standards of behavior to keep that status. District Nine is a rundown slum.
- Flashback B-Plot: Jay and his friends as students 30 years ago, and the events leading up to his murder. And there's another about that rebel leader 60 years ago.
- Flashback Echo: Performed on stage simultaneously.
- Like Father, Like Son: Darwin's father first appears in a scene that has him standing side by side with Darwin, looking into a mirror as they tie their ties together. And from there...
- Pursuing Parental Perils: Rumi is investigating her uncle's murder.
- Repressive, but Efficient: The society seems dystopian, but it doesn't seem on the verge of collapse. No rebellions since the one 60 years ago are mentioned. This work tells the story of a personal tragedy within that society, and though it is created by that society's structures, it remains personal.
- Schizo Tech: Seemingly advanced computer technology side by side with cassette tapes (and not just in the flashbacks — Darwin records his narration for the documentary on one). Could be a way to reinforce the theme of generations repeating.
- Secret Legacy: Oh, the rebel leader's hoodie? It was just around in Darwin's house! How did it get there? Well...
- Slave to PR: Nice Young completely changed his personality to rise to a high enough position that the threat of being discovered as a murderer wouldn't loom over him. He hates his life because of what he has had to do, and wants to die.
